Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 22 - Chasing Shadows

You wiped the sweat off your brow as you finished your training session at the gym. The intense workout had been a welcome distraction from the routine of patrols and paperwork.

It was late afternoon, and the sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the gym floor.

You grabbed your water bottle, taking a long drink as you stretched out your muscles.

Just as you were packing up, you heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, you were surprised to see Bakugou walking towards you. His usual casual attire was replaced by a more formal outfit—dark trousers and a crisp shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a blazer thrown over his shoulder.

His sharp gaze met yours, and for a moment, you were taken aback by how different he looked. The transformation from his usual gear to something so polished was jarring.

You blinked, still processing the sight of him in such uncharacteristically formal attire. "Wow," you said, the words slipping out before you could stop them. "That's quite an outfit."

Bakugou's expression tightened, clearly not in the mood for compliments. "What's it to you?" he snapped, his tone sharp as his gaze flicked away, as if annoyed by the whole situation.

You couldn't help but smirk, sensing his irritation. "What's got you so grumpy? You look like you're about to storm a board meeting or something," you teased, raising an eyebrow.

Bakugou shot you a glare, his jaw tightening. "Tch, like I'd waste my time on something like that," he grumbled. He adjusted his blazer, clearly uncomfortable in the formal outfit. "I've got somewhere to be, alright? Not that it's any of your business."

You tilted your head, still amused by how out of place he seemed in the attire. "Oh, so it's a secret mission then?" you teased, leaning against the locker with a playful grin. "Didn't think you were the suit-and-tie kind of guy."

His scowl deepened, and he turned away, clearly not in the mood for your jokes. "Shut up," he muttered.

You couldn't resist pushing a little further, a smirk playing on your lips. "Or is it a date?" you teased, your tone dripping with mock suspicion. "I mean, come on, suki~, who's the lucky person you're all dressed up for?"

There was a pause, the air between you suddenly feeling heavier. Bakugou avoided your gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked off to the side. The silence stretched just long enough for you to start piecing things together.

"Wait, really!?" you exclaimed, the surprise in your voice unmistakable.

Bakugou's expression darkened, and he finally looked back at you, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. "I didn't come down here to gossip," he snapped, clearly annoyed by the turn the conversation had taken. "I'm just here to tell you that you'll be doing patrol alone tonight."

You frowned, the reality of his words sinking in. Normally, Bakugou would be right there beside you, the two of you working in sync as you tackled whatever came your way during patrol. But tonight, it seemed, you were on your own.

"Wait, so... you're really not coming?" you asked, still trying to wrap your head around the situation.

"Obviously not," he replied, irritation lacing his tone. "I've got plans. You're more than capable of handling it yourself."

You stayed silent, the unease gnawing at you as you processed his words. Bakugou noticed your hesitation and shot you an impatient look. "What? Getting soft on me now? You've done solo patrols before. Just stick to the route and don't do anything reckless."

You hesitated, then forced a small smile. "Well, I'm glad you're taking it easy for once. You deserve a break."

Bakugou's irritation flared, and he snapped back, "This isn't some damn break, you hear me? I've got things to handle, and this isn't a time for you to be slacking off"